Skip to main content

Global Automakers testifies at NHTSA public hearing on distracted driving

The Association of Global Automakers, which represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations, has testified about the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed voluntary driver distraction guidelines stressing the importance of an objective, performance-based, and technology neutral approach.
March 19, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The 4074 Association of Global Automakers, which represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations, has testified about the US 2467 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed voluntary driver distraction guidelines stressing the importance of an objective, performance-based, and technology neutral approach.

“We agree with the agency’s goal of reducing the potential for driver distraction by providing uniform, modern guidelines for evaluating driver assistance and convenience features demanded by today’s consumers,” said Michael Cammisa, Global Automakers’ director of safety. “We need to make sure we get this right, it’s important to recognise that overly restrictive limits on in-vehicle devices could result in greater distraction as drivers substitute hand-held devices for those functions integrated into the vehicle, diminishing the effectiveness of the guidelines.”

Global Automakers says it supports state legislation for primary enforcement bans on the use of hand-held devices for texting and phone calls while driving.

“Our member companies are taking a comprehensive approach to automotive safety addressing both protection and prevention,” said Cammisa. “When designing in-vehicle features and their controls, automakers take into consideration usability, comprehension, and safety, all in the context of the driving environment.”

The Association says it looks forward to on-going collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate potential ways to prevent or mitigate driver distraction.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Support needed for Europe's construction machinery firms
    March 21, 2025
    EU must deliver on promise to support Europe's machinery and equipment sector, says VDMA president
  • Australia bites the bullet on roads reform
    August 2, 2012
    Predictions of impending doom for Australia's roads infrastructure have given the nation's governments and roads stakeholders the fright they needed to collaborate on roads policy. If the latest initiatives Australia is putting in place do produce the full extent of the roads reform required, there will be some lessons there for the whole world Whether through pride or stubbornness, or a combination of both, each state and territory of Australia has always liked to do things its own way. To some extent and
  • Bonjour bio-based binders
    April 5, 2023
    How can Shell speed the whole road construction sector on its way to decarbonisation? Professor John Read and Richard Taylor have a few ideas.
  • Pan-European enforcement of driving laws due
    August 27, 2013
    Agreements are being reached that will see Pan-European enforcement of driving regulations. Drivers will now face being penalised for any offences committed in other European countries. The change is due on 7th November 2013. After this date EU Member States will commence the cross border exchange of data relating to road traffic offences. For this scheme to work, eight offences have been listed in the data exchange programme. These are; speeding, not using a seatbelt, red light running, drink driving, driv